Cobwebs are a common sight when garden furniture emerges after months of sitting outside, but experts say one cleaning tool should never be your first choice. Before you start sweeping away spider webs, here's why a broom could damage your furniture – and the safer alternative to use instead.
Why experts avoid using brooms for cobwebs
‘When there’s a decent amount of rain, spiders find their webs have been destroyed – and they look to make new ones when the weather is dry,’ says Kym Barlow, outdoor furniture specialist at TDP.
Spiders tend to gravitate towards chairs, sofas and tables because they provide a sturdy base. ‘They also favour rattan furniture thanks to its woven design, which gives spiders plenty of anchor points and sheltered spots,’ adds Kym.
Malta Rattan Garden Sofa Lounger Set
Malta Rattan Garden Sofa Lounger Set
While it doesn’t sound like a big issue, removing cobwebs with brushes and brooms is a mistake that can actually damage your garden furniture. ‘Removing the webs using outdoor brooms, wired brushes and pressure washers can damage furniture, fences and decking by scratching surfaces, chipping paint, stripping protective coatings and causing unnecessary wear,’ Kym explains.
Using brooms on decking and fences can also disrupt paint and treatment, which can make them more vulnerable to weather damage later in the year.
How to clear cobwebs from garden furniture
Instead of reaching for a conventional cleaning tool, Kym recommends using a piece of fabric, which will remove cobwebs just as effectively without damaging your outdoor seats and tables.
‘Our favourite way for removing spider webs – and dirt and debris in general – is to take something soft like a cloth or a duster and gently sweep it away,’ Kym says. Reuse old t-shirts, socks, or tea towels for extra sustainability points.
For higher or harder-to-reach areas, attach the fabric to the end of a broom and carefully wipe away the webs. Just make sure it’s secured with a strong elastic band so it doesn’t slip or fly off.
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